Which author wrote 'The White Man's Burden'?

'The White Man's Burden' is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling, published in 1899. This work reflects the colonial attitudes of the time, presenting a viewpoint that promotes the idea of imperialism as a moral duty for Western nations to civilize and govern non-Western peoples. Kipling constructs a narrative that portrays the colonized as needing guidance, which aligns with the paternalistic and often controversial perspectives common during the imperial era.

This choice is significant in understanding Kipling's literary context and the larger historical themes of colonialism present in his work. The other authors listed, while influential in their own right, are associated with very different themes and styles. William Butler Yeats, for example, focused on Irish nationalism and the complexities of identity, Thomas Hardy often dealt with rural society and its struggles, and Gerard Manley Hopkins is known for his innovative use of language and exploration of nature and spirituality. Thus, they do not pertain to the themes represented in 'The White Man's Burden.'